UK ports set for autonomous vessels

Autonomous vessels are coming to the Port of Liverpool and other UK sites after a successful test.

ASV Global demonstrated its C-Cat-3 performing a survey of the seabed on the Brocklebank Dock in the Port of Liverpool and has now launched a partnership with owner Peel Ports Group.

Peel Ports will facilitate access to its ports across the UK for further test programmes, allowing ASV to benefit from its expertise in port safety and operations.

The partnership will encourage shared learning and address the challenges relating to using autonomous vessels within UK ports. It will also explore possibilities for collaborative development projects.

Gary Doyle, group harbour master at Peel Ports, said: “Bringing the best-in-class expertise together, we will facilitate an increased understanding of the benefits of autonomous vessels within port operations.

“The industry is already pushing for their commercial use and autonomous vessels are already widely accepted by our customers, especially those in the energy sector.

“This partnership with global leader ASV will cement our commitment to ensuring we are at the forefront of research and the latest cutting-edge technologies which will provide the best possible service to our customers.”

Vince Dobbin, sales and marketing director at ASV Global, said: “There is enormous potential for the application of ASV technology within UK ports; we are delighted to be partnering with Peel Ports to leverage our combined expertise to realise these opportunities.

“Autonomous vessels have been gaining ground globally over recent years, we have proven the application of ASVs in a number of offshore environments and are excited to explore new areas of application.”